Last night we were delighted to be invited to see CHICAGO at Bournemouth Pavilion and it certainly brought the ‘ol dazzle dazzle to town.
Here until 5th April, the international multi-award-winning musical, CHICAGO features murder, greed, corruption, exploitation, adultery and treachery…all those things we hold near and dear to our hearts!
Created by musical theatre greats Kander and Ebb, and legendary choreographer Bob Fosse, CHICAGO is multi-award winning and the longest running American musical on Broadway and in West End history.
Set amidst the decadence of the 1920s, CHICAGO is the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her. Desperate to avoid conviction, she dupes the public, the media and her rival cellmate, Velma Kelly, by hiring Chicago’s slickest criminal lawyer to transform her malicious crime into a barrage of sensational headlines, the likes of which might just as easily be ripped from today’s tabloids.
We were lucky enough to watch the musical debut of Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer and TV star Janette Manrara as Roxie Hart, and she proved that she was multi-talented as she can sing as well as dance.
Also on stage were international recording artist and pop star Sinitta as Matron ‘Mama’ Morton and West End leading man Dan Burton.
Dance is of course central to Chicago and the company here are excellent with their sexy, Fosse finger-snapping and jazz hands moves that expertly represent the decadence of the 1920s. Our favourites were of course “All that Jazz”, “Cell Block Tango” with the six merry murderesses of Cook County Jail, “We Both Reached for the Gun” with Janette’s fun personality on show as she played a puppet to Dan Burton’s ventriloquist and Joshua’s Lloyd’s heartbreaking Mr Cellophane which really tugged on the heart strings.
The band were also incredible and it was lovely to see them taking centre stage with the actors, as part of the nightclub setting.
If you are looking for a fantastic evening out, filled with song and dance, then CHICAGO is the show for you!!
Disclaimer: We were guests of Bournemouth Pavilion for the purpose of a review. All thoughts and opinions are our own.